Here’s a rich and indulgent recipe for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta! This creamy pasta dish combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger, bacon, and alfredo sauce for a decadent meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- Salt (for boiling pasta water)
For the Cheeseburger Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Pickles (optional, for a real “cheeseburger” vibe)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef:
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving some bacon fat in the skillet.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
- Add the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook for about 1 minute, letting the flavors combine with the beef mixture.
- Add cream and milk: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to your preference.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Add bacon: Stir in the cooked bacon, reserving a little bit for garnish.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve: Spoon the loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo pasta onto plates.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and pickles for that classic cheeseburger touch. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- For extra cheesiness: If you want an even cheesier dish, feel free to add more cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Add veggies: You can add some chopped tomatoes or lettuce to give a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sauce (like a true cheeseburger).
- Make it spicier: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the alfredo sauce.
This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta is a perfect comfort food dish that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger with the creaminess of Alfredo pasta. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table! Let me know if you’d like any variations or more tips. Enjoy!
